Seoul city council member Kim Kyung, who is suspected of handing 100 million won in nomination bribes to lawmaker Kang Sun-woo of the Democratic Party of Korea during the 2022 local elections, is said to be entering the country on the afternoon of the 11th, a day earlier than initially planned. It comes 11 days after Kim left for the United States as the probe intensified, prompting speculation of flight.
Kim was originally scheduled to arrive at Incheon International Airport early on the 12th, but is said to have changed flights before departure. The exact flight has not been disclosed.
The Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency's Public Crime Investigation Unit handling the case has asked the Ministry of Justice to be notified immediately when Kim enters the country. Police plan to impose an overseas travel ban and begin questioning as soon as Kim arrives. There is also talk of escorting Kim directly from the airport to a police interrogation room.
Kim is suspected of delivering 100 million won to Kang, who at the time served on the Democratic Party of Korea's Seoul chapter nomination management committee ahead of the 2022 local elections.
Kim recently submitted a handwritten statement to police saying Kim "handed 100 million won to Kang's side but later got it back." This matches Kang's explanation that Kang, upon learning of the money exchange, instructed the money be returned to Kim.
However, Kang's former aide, who has been identified as brokering the nomination bribe, is said to maintain the position of not knowing anything about it.
Kim left for the United States on the 31st of last month, saying the purpose was "to see a child." Kim reportedly did not meet the child. Instead, Kim was spotted attending the IT home appliance trade show "CES 2026" in Las Vegas on the 6th (local time).
While staying in the United States, Kim also left Telegram twice and rejoined. There are signs Kim also left KakaoTalk and rejoined, fueling suspicions of evidence destruction.